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Industry Happenings
Hyatt Increases Share Repurchase Authorization by $750 Million; Sold Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa; Received $217 Million in Connection with Sale
Hyatt Hotels Corporation | December 18, 2017
CHICAGO--Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) today announced that its Board of Directors has authorized the repurchase of up to an additional $750 million of the Company's common stock. The authorization is consistent with Hyatt's ongoing commitment to return meaningful capital to stockholders while continuing to invest in growth opportunities. Year-to-date through November 15, 2017, the Company repurchased over $700 million of common stock. As of December 14, 2017, the Company had approximately $864 million available under its share repurchase authorization (including the $750 million authorized on December 14, 2017). On November 9, 201...
The Dow Hotel Company and Its Partners Acquire Holiday Inn San Jose – Silicon Valley
Dow Hotel Company | December 18, 2017
SAN JOSE, Calif., Dec. 18, 2017—Officials of The Dow Hotel Company (DHC), a leading national hotel owner/investor and operator, today announced the joint venture acquisition with an institutional investor of the 354-room Holiday Inn San Jose–Silicon Valley in California for an undisclosed amount. DHC also will operate the hotel and oversee an approximately $15 million renovation to upgrade the restaurant, exterior and entrance, as well as certain guestroom improvements. "With its vibrant economy and numerous business and leisure demand generators, Silicon Valley continues to command some of the highest rates in the country,"...
Who Cares If You’re Losing a Little Money Here & There?
Pierre Boettner | December 18, 2017
By Pierre Boettner What hotel owner or GM could be blamed for sleeping a little more soundly after seeing a chart like this? Hotels are at the top of the mountain after years of clawing profits back up from the economic crash of 2009. All amidst the rising cost of doing business with OTAs and rapidly increasing supply. There's a lot to be thankful for. And there's a lot to do because we all know the way economics works, and when you're at the top of the mountain, you can either plateau or start hiking downward. Controlling costs and expenses is one of two ways hotels have of increasing profit margins, which are among the tightest of an...
Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach Unveils Extensive $115 Million Transformation and Rebranding
Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach | December 18, 2017
HONOLULU, Hawaii (December 18, 2017) - Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach today announces its official debut after an extensive $115 million transformation of the former Pacific Beach Hotel. Introducing an alluring "aloha-chic" factor as Hawaii's sophisticated new modern resort in the heart of Waikiki, Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach offers a stylish new way to stay and play in Hawaii's most iconic city beachfront that is transforming with unprecedented new cultural, culinary and shopping offerings. Alohilani Resort features star-studded collaborators including Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto, acclaimed New York architecture an...
PolyU Holds a Naming Ceremony for Mr and Mrs Chan Chak Fu Building
December 18, 2017
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has named the premises of the School of Hotel and Tourism Management after a pioneer Hong Kong hotelier, the late Mr Chan Chak-fu, and his wife Mrs Esther Chan Wong Chi-lan in appreciation of the family's significant contributions to PolyU's hospitality and tourism management education. The naming ceremony held today (15 December) was graced by the presence of the Chief Secretary for Administration of the HKSAR Government, The Honorable Matthew Cheung Kin-chung as the Guest of Honour. Other members of the officiating party included Mr Lawrence Chan, the eldest son of Mr Chan Chak-fu, and his ...
UniFocus’s Tip Pool Feature Provides Simple Solutions to Changing Federal Tip Regulations
UniFocus | December 18, 2017
DALLAS – Dec. 18, 2017 – UniFocus, the service industry's leading and most comprehensive provider of workforce management systems, offers a simple solution to the challenges that employees and employers could face due to the U.S. Department of Labor's newly proposed tip law. Tip Pool, a seamlessly integrated feature within the Dallas-based organization's robust Time & Attendance system, streamlines tip management and distribution, minimizes workload, and ultimately reduces labor costs while maximizing productivity. "Splitting gratuities between tipped and traditionally non-tipped workers stirs up a lot of questions: How ...
Owned by HRC Hotels and Managed by Good Hospitality Services, Fairfield Inn & Suites Indianapolis Fishers Set to Open in Indiana
Fairfield Inn & Suites | December 18, 2017
The 99-room Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott in Indianapolis, Indiana is scheduled to open on Wednesday, December 20, 2017 with its smart, inventive public space and guest room design, and its bright and inviting décor. Located at 10495 Crosspoint Boulevard, the Fairfield Inn & Suites Indianapolis Fishers will operate as a Marriott franchise, owned by HRC Hotels LLC and managed by Good Hospitality Services of Valparaiso, Indiana. Located off the new interchange of I-69 at 106th Street, 25 miles from Indianapolis International Airport and 20 minutes from downtown Indianapolis, the Fairfield Inn & Suites Indianapolis ...
Zaplox Reinforces and Expands Management Team with Newly Appointed Chief Technical Officer and Chief Marketing Officer
Zaplox AB | December 18, 2017
Zaplox, a market innovator of mobile key services for the global hotel industry, has strengthened its management team with the appointment of two C-level executives to newly created positions. Hotel technology industry veteran Eric Michélsen has been tapped as chief technical officer (CTO) and Pernilla Brodd has been named chief marketing officer (CMO), with both officially joining the company as of December 2017. Zaplox has continued to expand its organization over the past 12 months in order to align with its stated 2017 growth plan and the rapid pace of the company's global expansion. Both of the newly recruited personnel supp...
New TownePlace Suites Tacoma Lakewood Opens in Washington Led by General Manager Carrie Wells
TownePlace Suites by Marriott | December 15, 2017
Lakewood, WA – December 19, 2017 – Get ready to be real and be you on long stays. Marriott International's TownePlace Suites by Marriott Tacoma Lakewood is scheduled to open for business today. On average, a TownePlace Suites opens every six days. Built for travelers looking for a simple and friendly place where they can settle-in, keep their routine, and easily connect to the Lakewood area. The new TownePlace Suites Tacoma Lakewood located at 11725 Pacific Highway SW, continues to exemplify the brand's rapid growth. The new hotel will operate as a Marriott franchise, owned and managed by InterMountain Management, LLC of...
Marriott Completes Major Multi-Million Dollar Renovations at Six Oceanfront Resorts Across Four Hawaiian Islands
Marriott International | December 14, 2017
HAWAII – (December 14, 2017) – Marriott International announces the completion of major multi-million dollar improvements and renovations across its Marriott Hotels and Autograph Collection Hotels in the Aloha State. At six Marriott Hotels and Autograph Collection Hotels across four Hawaiian Islands, all resort properties have completed improvements in the past 18 months, including room and pool enhancements, transformation of meeting and event spaces, enriched cultural experiences, and the introduction of new and repositioned oceanfront resorts. "Our Marriott and Autograph Collection Hotels exceed our guests' every expectat...
Millennium Hilton New York One Un Plaza Welcomes Andrew Gold as New Executive Chef
Millennium Hilton New York One UN Plaza | December 14, 2017
New York, NY – December 14, 2017 – Millennium Hilton New York One UN Plaza announced today the appointment of Andrew Gold as executive chef. With more than 15 years of hospitality experience, Gold will be responsible for directing and administering the planning, preparation, production and control of all culinary operations at the property. In this new role, Gold will bring a dynamic energy to his work, revamping the hotel's current food and beverage offerings by sourcing quality ingredients and developing unforgettable meals and group menus that align with current food trends. Given the hotel's location on the grounds of th...
BENCHMARK Appoints William Smith Director of Finance for The Grove Resort & Spa Orlando
The Grove Resort & Spa Orlando | December 14, 2017
The Woodlands (Houston), Texas, December 2017 … BENCHMARK®, a global hospitality company, has named William Smith director of finance for The Grove Resort & Spa Orlando, a new Benchmark Resorts & Hotels property located near Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. Bill Lee, general manager, made the announcement. "It is a pleasure to welcome William to our resort and to Benchmark," said Mr. Lee. "His extensive experience in hospitality accounting and finance is particularly relevant to The Grove and its many facets. Blending his knowledge in those key areas with his specialization in aligning financial and op...
The William Vale in Williamsburg, Brooklyn Welcomes David Lemmond as New General Manager
The William Vale | December 14, 2017
NEW YORK, NY – Dec. 14, 2017 – The William Vale, a multiuse destination located in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, proudly welcomes David Lemmond as the new General Manager. David brings over 20 years of boutique and lifestyle hotel expertise, previously working on each of Andre Balazs' Standard Hotels. He will be responsible in directing the overall day-to-day operations, overseeing the sales and marketing divisions and ensuring that each and every guest experiences a one-of-a-kind, world-class hospitality experience. "With David's diverse background, working in two of the nation's most popular cities, Los Angeles and New York City...
Beyond Bricks and Mortar: Teneo Members’ Green Efforts Span Coast to Countryside, Initiatives Preserve Beaches, Woodlands, Wildlife
Teneo Hospitality Group | December 14, 2017
Eden Prairie, MN, December 2017 … It started with organic soaps, recycling bottles, water conservation and signs urging guests to turn out the lights before leaving the room. Today, environmentally conscious hoteliers support holistic conservation strategies that reach into every corner of the property. Driven by technology and the demands of environmentally conscious guests, these initiatives have sharply reduced waste, conserved resources, saved money and educated guests to the importance of environmental efforts. The hotel industry has made remarkable progress, but beyond the bricks and mortar of member hotels and resorts lie ...
Salamander Hotels & Resorts Appoints Vijay Singh Managing Director for Charleston’s Hotel Bennett
Bennett Hospitality | December 14, 2017
CHARLESTON, SC (December 14, 2017) – Hotel Bennett, the grand new luxury hotel under construction on King Street and overlooking Charleston's iconic and historic Marion Square, has announced its opening leadership team. The 179-room property is being led by Managing Director Vijay Singh, the highly-respected, Charleston-based hospitality executive who has spent the last six years working as vice president of operations for Salamander Hotels & Resorts. Heidi Nowak has joined as the hotel's director of sales and marketing after a distinguished career with the Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company. "I'm proud to be working alongside such kn...
Grand Hyatt Mumbai Appoints Key Leadership Positions
December 14, 2017
MUMBAI, December 14, 2017 -- Grand Hyatt Mumbai is pleased to announce the appointment of four key personnel for the multidimensional lifestyle complex in the heart of Mumbai including General Manager, Hotel Manager, Director of Sales & Marketing and Director of Food & Beverage. Puneet Singh has joined Grand Hyatt Mumbai as General Manager. With over 25 years of experience across International Luxury Hotels spanning four continents and 10 countries including China, Germany, Turkey, Russia, Tanzania, UAE and Egypt, to name a few, Puneet is a veteran hotelier known to be the game changer in each of his distinct assignments. Puneet...
Hilton Appoints Kellyn Smith Kenny as Chief Marketing Officer
Hilton | December 14, 2017
MCLEAN, Va. - Hilton (NYSE: HLT) today announced the appointment of Kellyn Smith Kenny as Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer. Effective January 29, 2018, Kenny will oversee the enterprise marketing strategy for the world's most recognizable hospitality company and its portfolio of 14 industry-leading brands. She will also lead a high-performing team delivering creative marketing programs focusing on building meaningful relationships with guests. "The iconic Hilton brand is already recognized globally as the gold standard for hospitality," said Jon Witter, Chief Customer Officer. "With Kellyn as our new ...
Hotel Equities Promotes Drew Salapka to Senior Vice President of Revenue Generation
Hotel Equities | December 14, 2017
ATLANTA (December 14, 2017) –Atlanta-based Hotel Equities (HE) recently promoted Drew Salapka to the position of Senior Vice President of Revenue Generation. His responsibilities include leading the revenue generation division for the organization which sets top line strategy and manages the total inventory for the firm's portfolio of hotels. Mr. Salapka's team analyzes the demand for all markets, evaluates market strengths and weaknesses and reports key statistics that impact the hospitality industry and individual hotels. The team also manages sales processes and directs the ongoing training of all key sales and revenue staff me...
DoubleTree by Hilton Adds Two U.S. Hotels and One U.K. Hotel to Portfolio
Hilton | December 14, 2017
MCLEAN, Va. - 2017 was a monumental year for DoubleTree by Hilton, one of Hilton's (NYSE: HLT) 14 market-leading brands, surpassing 500 hotels worldwide and introducing 30+ new hotels to guests around the world. To close out the year, the brand recently welcomed an additional three hotels to its portfolio. With convenient locations, inspired design and thoughtful upscale amenities, these hotels are now delivering unparalleled hospitality to guests and visitors, all starting with the brand's signature, warm DoubleTree Cookie welcome. DoubleTree by Hilton Neenah: This contemporary hotel, which recently completed a multimillion-d...
Wynn Resorts Reaches Agreement to Purchase Land Across From Wynn Las Vegas for Future Development
Wynn Resorts | December 14, 2017
LAS VEGAS, Dec. 14, 2017 -- Wynn Resorts announces it has reached an agreement to purchase approximately 38 acres of land on the Las Vegas Strip directly across from Wynn Las Vegas. The purchase includes the 34 acre site of the former New Frontier, formerly the Alon Resort site, as well as 4 additional acres connected to the site for a total of $336 million. The agreement completes a unique assembly of contiguous real estate of approximately 280 acres that spans from the Las Vegas Convention Center on Paradise Road from the east, to Industrial Road on the west. The combined frontage on the Las Vegas Strip is over 3,500 feet, including r...
HEBS Digital Celebrates 2017: A Year of Broadening the Global Footprint, Technology Innovations and Industry Recognition
HEBS Digital | December 14, 2017
Summary: HEBS Digital celebrates the firm's many accomplishments of 2017—including the launch of the hospitality industry's first Fully-Integrated Past/Future Guest Engagement and Acquisition Technology and Marketing Platform and many technology and digital marketing innovations—while looking forward to exciting developments in 2018. New York, NY (December 14, 2017) – As the year comes to a close, HEBS Digital is proud to reflect on the firm's many accomplishments of 2017, as well as recognize our clients and team members who made it all possible. Over the last 12 months, HEBS Digital continued to its industry leadersh...
TravelClick and IDeaS Expand Partnership with Advanced Integration for Hotels
TravelClick | December 14, 2017
TravelClick's iHotelier Central Reservations System Integrates with IDeaS' G3 Revenue Management System, Providing Speed and Power to Hotels' Distribution and Revenue Strategies NEW YORK, N.Y. December 14, 2017 – TravelClick, a leading global provider of data and revenue-generating solutions for hoteliers, and IDeaS Revenue Solutions, the leading provider of revenue management software solutions and advisory services, have announced a powerful, seamless integration between TravelClick's iHotelier Central Reservations System (CRS), as well as Demand360, and the IDeaS G3 Revenue Management System (IDeaS G3 RMS). For the first time, ...
Safari Hospitality Set to Open New Courtyard by Marriott Cedar City in Utah
Courtyard by Marriott | December 14, 2017
Cedar City, Utah – December 15, 2017 – Courtyard by Marriott Cedar City is scheduled to open its doors in Cedar City, Utah on Monday, December 18, 2017. Featuring an innovative lobby space as well as Courtyard's latest contemporary room design, the new hotel provides flexibility and choices that allow guests to optimize and elevate their travel experience. Located at 1294 Interstate Drive, the 112-room hotel will operate as a Marriott franchise, owned and managed by Safari Hospitality of Cedar City, Utah. Whether traveling for business or pleasure, the Courtyard Cedar City offers guests convenient access to Cedar Breaks Nati...
Sustainable Extravagance: Water-Wise Hospitality
Tim P. Smith | December 14, 2017
By Tim P. Smith, Nomfundo B Zonke, Sofie Otto High Season and Low Dams #WaterWatch Currently the biggest socio-economic problem facing the Western Cape region is severe drought and related water shortages. The drought reached crisis levels in early October 2017 when the City of Cape Town estimated it only had 5-months of water left. It has been ongoing since 2015 when water storage in the city's dam levels began to drop, declining from 71.9% in 2014 to 50.1% in 2015. Declared the city's worst drought in a century, some dams and reserves have less than 10% of their usable capacity remaining. The biggest cause of water scarcity is the El ...
